California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of bills aimed at regulating artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on deepfakes and the protection of Hollywood performers.

The new legislation mandates large social media platforms to remove deceptive materials related to elections, reinforcing the state's commitment to election integrity.

In his announcement, Newsom highlighted the importance of safeguarding public trust in the electoral process.

This legislation addresses growing concerns about the potential misuse of AI to replicate performers' likenesses without consent, raising significant ethical and legal issues in the entertainment industry.

The SAG-AFTRA union has expressed concerns that AI could replace jobs, advocating for fair compensation for actors in the face of increasing digital content generation.

Recently, SAG-AFTRA reported that 80 video games have signed agreements that include protections against AI misuse, indicating progress in negotiations.

However, industry groups like the Motion Picture Association of America have opposed these laws, arguing they could stifle innovation and lead to costly legal disputes.

Executives from major AI companies, including OpenAI and Meta, have voiced concerns that the proposed legal framework could hinder competition and undermine the U.S.'s global leadership in technology.

While the Biden administration supports AI regulation, progress has been hampered by partisan divides in Congress.

These California laws are part of a broader national conversation, with the FCC considering similar regulations to address the challenges posed by AI.

Tech CEO Elon Musk has criticized these anti-speech laws, arguing that they complicate efforts to maintain a free speech platform in a state with restrictive regulations.

Supporters of the legislation believe it will promote responsible AI use, while opponents warn it may be unenforceable and lead to legal challenges.